Xbox Design Lab - custom game controllers

[VictoryAtNight]

Using social media platform X, Microsoft noted that the latest Xbox controller firmware update has affected Bluetooth connectivity for some users. This has also led to performance issues. However, it notes this is only the case with “older non-Xbox devices.” To this end, those having Xbox controller issues while using their various Xbox consoles are experiencing a different, unrelated issue.

“The latest Xbox controller firmware update may affect Bluetooth connectivity and performance with some older non-Xbox devices,” claims Microsoft. “If your controller is having Bluetooth-related issues after a firmware update, you can choose to revert your controller to an earlier firmware version to correct the problem.”

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/xb...crosoft-issue/

[heyadol]

There is a contest to win an exclusive Sea of Thieves controller.

Microsoft Rewards Sea of Thieves Sweepstakes – Monday, March 31st

Ever wonder what a Megalodon crossed with an Xbox controller would look like? Want to be in with a chance of winning just that – an extremely limited-edition new Sea of Thieves controller? Stay sharp for information on how to enter the Sweepstakes and potentially get your hands on ‘The Devourer’ later this month!

https://www.seaofthieves.com/news/this-month-march-2025

[dyne]

I missed out on the limited one that came to retail a couple years ago. I really liked that one.

[heyadol]

The adaptive joystick announced a few months ago is available for purchase. I kind of want to get this for casual games, but a wireless version would be better vs plugging it into the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessori...ptive-joystick

[emailking]

That reminds me of the PS Move Navigation controller, lol.

[heyadol]

Play Anywhere with the New Backbone One Xbox Edition Mobile Controller

The power of Xbox is now in your hands—anywhere, anytime. The new Designed for Xbox: Backbone One Xbox Edition transforms your phone into the ultimate companion for gaming on mobile.

I had one of these a while ago (PS branded) and it felt kind of flimsy so I'm not sure if I'd get the new one even with the upgrades. The translucent green is definitely a step up from the pissjar look of the Death Stranding collaboration from last year. Then again, the DS version included the game (for Apple devices I think) and this one only includes a month of GPU.

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/accessori...dda979e80e63c5

[dyne]

Since this has become a catch all for controller variants.

https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/0...ion-controller

A couple of weeks ago, Phil Spencer teased something on his office shelf that hadn't been revealed yet, and it was presumed at the time to be a DOOM: The Dark Ages Xbox controller that certainly attracted a lot of attention.

That controller is set to be revealed imminently, with Dealabs reporting that we'll hear about it officially either later today or tomorrow. The DOOM Xbox controller will apparently be priced at £74.99 / $79.99.

[heyadol]

That was quick, I like the Elite version.

Introducing the DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition Collection

Introducing the DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition Collection - YouTube

Rev up those Shield Saws, because the DOOM Slayer is back. As we count down the days until you can explore the twisted fantasy of DOOM: The Dark Ages, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done.

Get the limited edition DOOM: The Dark Ages controller, exclusively available for a limited time at Microsoft Store here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/xb...n/8mzbmmcjzqc0

Complete the collection with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition and the Xbox Series X Wrap – DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition here: https://www.xbox.com/accessories/doo...on-accessories

Also interesting to see the console wraps making a return.

[dyne]

I was really surprised there's an Elite variant.

[heyadol]

Target had one Doom controller left in stock and I had some stackable discounts expiring so I picked it up. It's really nice, the "rubberized, leather-like grip" feels much better than the usual rubberized grips. Discount or not, I should have waited. All these announcements will certainly lead to that updated controller launching in time for end of year holidays, right?

[dyne]

I don’t expect the new controller until the next console at this point.

[heyadol]

Well Xbox really needs a cloud-connected controller if they want Xbox Cloud Gaming to get out of (beta). I suppose it would be kind of funny if the Xbox Ally X has HD Haptics to make it more compatible with PS games on Steam/GoG/EGS, but I hope it means they are going to start adding those features to Xbox.

[dyne]

https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/0...for-six-months

We've seen an increasing number of people asking about the status of Xbox Design Lab over the past few weeks, and that's no surprise considering the service has been mostly unavailable for the past six months.

At the bottom of the website, there's an FAQ explaining that "purchases will be available once we complete the transition to a new payment platform".

For those who are eager to find out when Xbox Design Lab returns, there's a sign-up button on the yellow banner that allows you to enter your email - so that's a good way to be notified as soon as the service comes back online.

Nevertheless, one of the main reasons for the frustration is the lack of transparency about why it's taking so long, and we're hoping Xbox will have some kind of statement to share ASAP (unless it gets fixed in the next few weeks!).

[heyadol]

We will probably see an official announcement in a few hours.

8BitDo Ultimate 3-mode Wireless Controller for Xbox, Hall Effect Joysticks, Pro Back Buttons, Compatibility with Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, Apple, Windows PC & Android - Rare 40th Anniversary Edition

https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Contro...dp/B0FHQ6P7TQ/

[dyne]

Originally Posted by heyadol

We will probably see an official announcement in a few hours.



https://www.amazon.com/8Bitdo-Contro...dp/B0FHQ6P7TQ/

All that history and they only put SoT's on it.

[heyadol]

XDL is working again, was hoping it would have something new but I guess not.

https://xboxdesignlab.xbox.com/

https://x.com/Xbox/status/1953101818826821648

[VictoryAtNight]

Sometimes a controller is just a tool, but the new Breaker Series from Microsoft proves it can be a statement piece too. Launching September 9, the lineup includes Ice Breaker, Heart Breaker, and Storm Breaker. Each one costs $79.99 and is available for preorder right now through Amazon. Think of them as the MCU’s post-credit scene for your setup: small, stylish, and guaranteed to get fans talking.

https://comicbook.com/gear/news/xbox...storm-breaker/